Summary

With its engaging run-and-gun gameplay, a compelling narrative involving the Ptolemaic Army, and the introduction of new mechanics, Metal Slug 5 (2003) solidifies its place in the series as both a continuation and an innovation.

Release Year: 2003
Genres: Adventure, Platform, Shooter
Platforms: Arcade, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo MVS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Xbox
Developers: Noise Factory, SNK Playmore
Publishers: SNK Playmore

Introduction

Metal Slug 5 brings players back into the intense and explosive world of one of the most beloved run-and-gun franchises. With new threats and secrets to uncover, this installment deepens the series’ lore and offers fresh challenges to its fanbase.

Synopsis

Metal Slug 5: A Mission to Recover Stolen Secrets (Year 2003)
One year after the events of Metal Slug 4, a new threat emerges in the action-packed world of Metal Slug. This time, the enemy isn’t the maniacal General Morden and his Rebel Army. Instead, a mysterious group known as the Ptolemaic Army throws a wrench into the world’s peace.

The Ptolemaic Army, shrouded in secrecy and specializing in archaeological digs and espionage, pulls off a daring heist. Their target: a special disc containing highly classified information about the top-secret Metal Slug project. This disc holds the blueprints, specifications, and everything else needed to replicate the devastating power of the walking tank.

Learning of this theft, the Peregrine Falcon Strike Force springs into action. Marco Rossi and Tarma Roving, the series’ iconic protagonists, are tasked with retrieving the stolen disc. However, they aren’t alone in this mission. Joining them are Eri Kasamoto and Fio Germi, the skilled operatives of the SPARROWS unit. This reunion of heroes sets the stage for a classic Metal Slug adventure.

The trail of the Ptolemaic Army leads our heroes to a mysterious location – the Corridor of Fire. This enigmatic network of ruins holds the key to the group’s motives. As Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio venture deeper, they encounter the Ptolemaic Army’s forces. These aren’t your typical soldiers; the Ptolemaic Army boasts a unique roster of enemies, from gun-wielding archaeologists to hulking mummies resurrected from the depths of the ruins.

Throughout their mission, the heroes discover that the Ptolemaic Army’s ambitions go beyond simply stealing the Metal Slug data. The group, led by a enigmatic masked figure, seeks to unlock an ancient power hidden within the Corridor of Fire. As the heroes progress through the treacherous levels, they face increasingly difficult enemies, including cyborg mummies and monstrous creatures unearthed by the Ptolemaic Army.

Adding another layer of intrigue is the masked leader who guides the Ptolemaic Army from the shadows. This enigmatic figure’s motives remain unclear, but their influence strengthens the Ptolemaic Army with advanced weaponry and technology. This newfound power puts immense pressure on our heroes, forcing them to rely on their combat skills and the diverse arsenal at their disposal.

The classic Metal Slug gameplay takes center stage as Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio fight their way through hordes of enemies. Players can choose from their favorite characters, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. The iconic Metal Slug tank makes a glorious return, offering a powerful way to mow down enemies and clear obstacles. Other fan-favorite vehicles, like the Slug Flyer and the Slug Mariner, also appear, allowing players to navigate diverse environments and unleash devastating firepower.

As they delve deeper, the heroes uncover the true purpose behind the Ptolemaic Army’s actions. The stolen Metal Slug data serves as a key to unlock a gateway, unleashing a colossal demon from another dimension. This monstrous entity becomes the final confrontation for our heroes. A thrilling boss battle ensues, testing the player’s skills and reflexes to the limit. With a combination of teamwork, powerful weaponry, and the iconic Metal Slug tank, the heroes must overcome this ultimate threat and prevent the demon from wreaking havoc on the world.

Metal Slug 5 concludes with the heroes victorious, having secured the stolen disc and sealed the gateway that threatened to bring about an apocalyptic invasion. The game doesn’t delve into the long-term consequences of this event, but it leaves room for speculation about the potential impact of the unearthed secrets and the lingering mystery of the masked leader.

In essence, Metal Slug 5 offers a thrilling run-and-gun adventure that stays true to the series’ core formula. It introduces a new enemy faction with a unique historical twist, throws in a dash of supernatural elements with the final boss, and provides a satisfying conclusion to the heroes’ mission. While the plot may not be the most complex, it delivers a perfect excuse for the over-the-top action and explosive battles that Metal Slug fans crave.

Characters

Marco Rossi and Tarma Roving of the Peregrine Falcon Strike Force, along with Eri Kasamoto and Fio Germi of SPARROWS, make up the heroic quartet. They face off against the enigmatic Ptolemaic Army, including its shadowy leaders and unearthed ancient powers.

Gameplay

Metal Slug 5 enhances its run-and-gun formula with the addition of the ‘Slide Move’, allowing for more dynamic combat and evasion. Players blast through diverse stages, utilizing a wide array of weapons and vehicles, including the new Slug Gunner.

Conclusion

Metal Slug 5 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Metal Slug series, offering up all the run-and-gun action fans have come to expect, while also introducing new gameplay elements to refresh the formula.